Early morning hunters

[colincurry]

I went out at 5 am this morning on my rusty steed down to the river where I hoped to find my usual barn owl. I had great views watching the owl quartering the field quite a distance away. This first picture is very long range but I have kept it not because of its quality, but because of the dynamic movement of the bird.



The next picture was a bit later on and the light had improved a little - not as much as I would have liked for a flight shot.



I carried on watching the owl and also had a great shot up the rear of a yellowhammer who perched on the small tree that I was hiding under - definitely not a keeper. The owl then flew about half a mile away so I left my concealment and took two quick shots of a flashing raptor (it was not wearing an old brown mac). This is the first shot and I think it is of a hobby with a swallow alongside. I think that it was probably after the swallow. The next (non-keeper) shot shows the swallow making its getaway with an Immelman turn to starboard.



I also watched a hovering kestrel but it was too far away and the light wrong for a reasonable attempt at a picture.

All in all, a very satisfying couple of hours, especially as the sun came out and cheered everything up.

Colin

[Deer Stalker]

Nice one Colin.

Best time of the day to be out.

[humbug]

well worth the early rise colin, have inspired me to get up and give it a go(sometime)

brian.

[aeshna5]

Good shots + yes it's a Hobby.

[Hobjob]

The light on that first photo is fantastic